Beef neck bones are an incredibly flavorful and affordable cut of meat that truly shine when cooked low and slow in a crock pot These tough cuts transform into fall-off-the-bone tender with just a few simple ingredients
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk through everything you need to know to make melt-in-your-mouth beef neck bones at home in the crock pot. With tips on choosing the right neck bones, proper prep and seasoning, cook times, and even gravy tips, you’ll learn how to unlock the rich flavor and texture of this classic Southern cut. Let’s get started!
What Are Beef Neck Bones?
Beef neck bones come from the neck section of beef cattle They contain a good amount of collagen-rich connective tissue so they require longer cooking times to become tender. But this also means they are full of rich, beefy flavor when cooked properly
Look for meaty neck bones around 3-5 inches long. While you can sometimes find them with meat still attached, most are sold as just the bones. Don’t let that deter you though – the bones themselves impart delicious flavor as they cook and the bone marrow is considered a delicacy.
Some common types of neck bones include
- Chuck neck bones
- Shoulder neck bones
- Back neck bones
For the best flavor and tenderness, choose fresh, quality neck bones when possible.
Tips for Prepping Beef Neck Bones for the Crock Pot
Proper prep is key to ensuring your neck bones cook evenly and absorb all the flavor. Here are a few tips:
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Rinse bones and pat dry. This removes any bone dust or shards.
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Trim off any excess fat or silverskin. This can cause unpleasant textures.
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Cut bones into 3-5 inch sections if needed. More surface area = more flavor.
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Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, etc.
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For extra flavor, marinate for 1-2 hours before cooking.
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Brown the bones first for richer flavor (optional).
With the right prep, you’re ready to transform these bones into a delicious meal.
How to Cook Tender Beef Neck Bones in a Crock Pot
Cooking beef neck bones in a crock pot couldn’t be easier. The slow, moist heat perfectly breaks down the collagen for fall-off-the-bone meat.
Cook on Low for 8-10 hours. This extended cooking time is crucial. The bones won’t reach peak tenderness after only 4-6 hours.
Use a flavorful cooking liquid. Water is fine, but broth or wine adds deeper flavor. Aromatics like onion, garlic, and herbs also boost taste.
Avoid opening the lid. Every time you lift the lid, heat escapes. Resist peeking until the end!
Shred the meat. Once cooked, the tender meat should easily pull away from the bones. Discard bones and shred or chop meat.
And that’s all there is to it! Low and slow crock pot cooking makes these budget-friendly bones sing.
How to Make Flavorful Gravy from Beef Neck Bones
No Southern neck bones meal is complete without a flavorful gravy or sauce to spoon over rice, potatoes or biscuits. Here are some tips:
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For thinner gravy, use broth/wine and flour or cornstarch to thicken.
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For hearty gravy, sauté aromatics like onion, garlic, celery, then whisk in flour to make a roux before adding cooking liquid.
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For richness, swirl in a tablespoon or two of butter at the end.
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Season with plenty of black pepper, herbs like thyme or rosemary, Worcestershire sauce, etc.
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Let gravy simmer until it reaches the desired thickness and flavor.
Top Tasty Side Dishes to Serve with Beef Neck Bones
While beef neck bones are delicious on their own, pairing them with complementary sides makes for a complete and satisfying meal. Here are some top sides to consider:
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Steamed white rice or buttery mashed potatoes to soak up the gravy
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Stewed greens like collard greens or mustard greens
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Glazed carrots or roasted vegetables
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Skillet cornbread, biscuits, or corn muffins
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Creamy coleslaw or potato salad
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Baked beans or black-eyed peas
With so many options, you can create a different neck bone meal every night of the week!
Delicious Ways to Use Leftover Cooked Beef Neck Bones
One of the bonuses of cooking beef neck bones in the crock pot is yielding a large batch, which means leftovers! Here are some delicious ways to repurpose them:
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Shred meat and pile onto sandwiches or tacos
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Toss with barbecue sauce and serve on buns
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Make a hearty soup with veggies and broth
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Fold into jambalaya, gumbo, or red beans and rice
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Use as a filling for empanadas or pot pies
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Fold into an omelet or breakfast hash
Leftover cooked beef neck bones are a great starting point for so many dishes. Get creative!
Expert Tips for Cooking Perfect Beef Neck Bones
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Look for thick, meaty bones for more edible meat. Thinner bones yield less.
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Trim off any excess fat – this can cause unpleasant, greasy textures.
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Cut bones into smaller 3-5 inch sections so more surface area is exposed to cooking liquid.
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Marinate for 1-2 hours before cooking for extra moisture and flavor.
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For darker, richer meat, brown the bones before adding to the crock pot.
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Cook on low heat for 8+ hours; the extended time is needed to fully tenderize.
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Check for doneness after 8 hours. Meat should shred easily when fully cooked.
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Let cooked bones cool in liquid before shredding for maximum moisture.
Follow these pro tips and you’ll be rewarded with amazingly tender, richly flavored beef neck bones every time.
Common Questions About Crock Pot Beef Neck Bones
Can you cook beef neck bones from frozen?
Yes, you can cook frozen neck bones in the crock pot without thawing first. Just add 1-2 hours to the cook time.
Do you have to marinate neck bones before cooking?
Marinating is optional but recommended. Even just 30 minutes – 2 hours enhances moisture and flavor.
What is the white stuff on cooked neck bones?
That’s congealed fat. For a cleaner look, trim excess fat before cooking. But it’s completely edible.
Why are my neck bones tough and chewy?
Cook time was likely too short. Beef neck bones require 8+ hours on low heat to fully tenderize. Always cook for a full 8-10 hours for tender results.
Time to Make Tender, Flavorful Neck Bones
Beef neck bones transform into the ultimate comfort food when braised for hours in a crock pot. With just a few simple prep tips and the right cooking time, you can unlock deep beefy flavor and fall-off-the-bone tenderness from this budget-cut.
Slow Cooker Neck Bones & Potatoes – I Heart Recipes
FAQ
Are beef neck bones good to eat?
What is beef neck meat used for?
Is neck bone good for broth?
How do you slow cook neck bones in a slow cooker?
Season the neck bones on all sides with spices. Add broth to the slow cooker. Add the seasoned neck bones, onions, and bay leaf on top of the broth. Place the lid on the slow cooker. Slow cook the neck bones until they are tender and fall off the bone. Slow cook for 3-4 hours on High or 7-8 hours on Low.
How do you cook beef neck bones in a crock pot?
Rinse the beef neck bones under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix together salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Rub the spice mixture all over the beef neck bones. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the beef neck bones. Brown each side for about 2-3 minutes until nicely seared.
How long do you slow cook neck bone drippings?
Place the lid on the slow cooker. Slow cook the neck bones until they are tender and fall off the bone. Slow cook for 3-4 hours on High or 7-8 hours on Low. You can save your neck bone drippings once the neck bones have cooked, and use it to make gravy. You can follow the steps from my Turkey Gravy with Drippings recipe.
How to cook turkey neck bones in crock pot?
Place the turkey neck bones into the crockpot, and add one chopped onion, three minced garlic cloves, and spices, such as salt and thyme (you can even add other spices if you like). Pour enough water to almost cover the neckbones. Cook for 4 hours on high. How To Cook Fresh Neckbones In A Crock Pot?